Traffic in cities like Lagos can be frustrating. What can you do to cope with this annoying problem? If you are among the millions who frequently get stuck in traffic, there are things you can do to protect your physical and mental health.
Be Prepared
Many are already stressed out before they get stuck in traffic. They get out of bed too late. They shower, dress, and eat in a rush. The thought of being late for work makes them anxious. Traffic congestion only heightens their stress levels. If you expect to be stuck in traffic, allow extra time for your trip. By leaving earlier, you may even beat the rush. Prepare for the next day the night before. A good night’s sleep is vital. To get an early start in the morning, you must go to bed at a reasonable hour. Getting up earlier may also allow you to have a nutritious breakfast. Being stuck in traffic with junk food or no food in your stomach can stress you even more.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Good Condition
You may avoid additional stress by making sure your vehicle is in good repair. You don’t want the frustration of having a bad vehicle in the middle of a traffic jam. This is especially so in inclement weather. Therefore, give proper maintenance to your brakes, tires, air conditioner, heater, windshield wipers, defrosters, and other vital systems. Even a minor accident in congested traffic can compound your stress level. And, of course, always make sure you have enough fuel in your tank.
Be Informed
Before you start driving, it might help you to be informed about such special circumstances as bad weather, road construction, temporary road closures, accidents, and other traffic conditions of the day. You may obtain this information by listening to the radio. Also, using google Maps can help By getting acquainted with alternate routes, you may be able to bypass trouble spots.
Be Comfortable
Adjust the ventilation in your vehicle as well as your seat position so that you will be as comfortable as possible. If you have a radio or a cassette or CD player, you can listen to your favourite music. Some types of music have a calming effect and may reduce stress. These measures may also shield you from some of the annoying noise of traffic congestion.
Be Productive
One of the most productive things you can do while stopped in traffic is to engage in positive thinking. Instead of mulling over the bad traffic conditions, try to think about the day’s activities. If you are alone, the time you spend in a traffic jam may give you a unique opportunity to process important thoughts and even make decisions without interruptions.If you are a passenger, staring at the long line of automobiles in front of you may only add to your stress. So plan to use your traffic time productively.
Be Realistic
If you live in an area where traffic congestion is a problem, expect to be stuck in traffic and plan accordingly. Traffic congestion is here to stay in most cities. So learn to accept traffic as a normal part of your life, and do what you can to
make the best of it.
